Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"I'm hitting order right now! First up, gotta snag that trellis, your mom's got a thing for wisteria, perfect for guiding those vines... Then, I'll grab a few hydrangea pots. Come May, they'll bloom and have Sanford green with envy..."

Sanford was Norris' colleague. They taught different subjects but got along famously, as both were seasoned gardening enthusiasts.

Years back, Sanford had moved out of the faculty housing complex, snapping up a condo nearby.

Given it was on the ground floor, it came with a little yard, which he'd packed to the brim with flowers.

But due to the limited space, he could only manage small potted plants. Dreaming of lush, expansive blooms like hydrangeas was out of the question.

No sooner said than done, Norris whipped out his phone to scroll through Amazon. Suddenly, he paused, "Moving to the new place, what about this house then?" Roseanne replied, "Let's keep it."

"Is that necessary?" Norris noted how other teachers, upon moving, promptly sold their houses.

Given its prime location near Horizon Future Middle School, it attracted a lot of buyers, mainly parents relocating to be near their children's school.

And of course, the selling price was quite attractive.

Norris was sentimental about the old house, but considering the fortune they'd spent on the new villa, selling it could recoup some of the expenses. Roseanne knew what was on his mind, but still-

"Even if we're not living here, let's hold onto it a bit longer."

asked, "Wait

"You'll see."

the world go round..." Norris

that Roseanne didn't want to spill; it's just that matters like demolition...

could lead to

His company had won a bid for a major mall development in Pinehollow, and Roseanne accidentally stumbled upon the contract in the study. Recognizing the familiar "Pinehollow,"

estate agent, asking to

I start moving some of the plants

course, the villa's keys are with us. We just

I'll pack some clothes

...

morning came around,

was busy moving his favorite plants around, while Madge was packing bags filled

for a pickup truck, loading it with pots large

driver. Once your mom's done packing, you two head to the sales office, and I'll meet you

"Okay."

in the morning, at the sales

door, greeting them with a

paperwork, quick and easy."